"Before that he was admitted to a hospital in Bikaner (Rajasthan). He was there for three days after which we brought him to Delhi," he added.

Soon after winning the second season of singing reality show "Indian Idol" in 2006, Sandeep Acharya released his first album "Mere Saath Saara Jahaan".†

"He was supposed to release his new album 'O Sanam Tere Bina' mid-December," said Akshay.†

Choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan, who judged the reality show's second season with music composer Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam, tweeted: "It's too sad to hear of Sandeep Acharya, winner of 'Indian Idol 2' and my favourite, passing away. Such a gentle boy he was. Not his time to go."

†The boy was just 29...This year, oh god, is only about deaths I feel. God give his parents some strength," read Sonu's tweet.

Anchor-actress Mini Mathur, who hosted "Indian Idol 2", was taken aback with the news. She tweeted: "What a sad, premature goodbye to a talented, ambitious, happy boy. RIP Sandeep Acharya."†

Even Sony Entertainment Television expressed their sadness over Sandeep's passing.

"A big loss for all of us with the shocking demise of 'Indian Idol 2' winner Sandeep Acharya. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to his family in this extremely difficult time," the channel posted on their Facebook page.